Flash Floods in Morocco Claim 37 Lives Amid Ongoing Heavy Rainfall

Severe flash floods have resulted in the deaths of at least 37 individuals in the coastal city of Safi, Morocco, following a period of intense rainfall. The sudden downpour, occurring within a single hour on Sunday, overwhelmed the city's infrastructure and sent torrents of water surging through residential and commercial areas.

According to official reports, the flash floods inundated dozens of homes and businesses, particularly in the historic center of Safi, situated approximately 300 kilometers south of Rabat on Morocco's Atlantic coast. The force of the water swept away vehicles, disrupted transportation, and left significant portions of the city inaccessible. Emergency services responded rapidly, working to rescue trapped residents and restore access to affected neighborhoods.

Authorities have confirmed that, in addition to the fatalities, at least 32 individuals sustained injuries during the flooding. The majority of those hospitalized have since been released, but emergency responders continue to search the area for potential missing persons or additional casualties. Local officials have reported significant property damage, with at least 70 homes and businesses experiencing severe flooding.

The Moroccan national weather service has warned that further heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days, especially on Tuesday, raising concerns about the potential for additional flooding and landslides. This period of rainfall comes after the country endured seven consecutive years of drought, which had left major reservoirs depleted and heightened the risk of flash flooding when precipitation returns.

The region's recent weather patterns have been characterized by abrupt and intense storms, leading to both heavy rainfall and snowfall in the Atlas Mountains. These conditions, while offering relief for water supplies, have posed new challenges for communities unaccustomed to such sudden changes after years of arid weather.

Authorities have urged residents, especially those in low-lying or flood-prone areas, to remain alert and follow official guidance. Emergency teams remain on standby to assist with further evacuations or rescues should conditions worsen. The government is also assessing infrastructure vulnerabilities in the wake of the disaster, with a focus on improving flood response and mitigation measures.

In the aftermath, local residents have begun the process of cleaning up debris and repairing damaged property. The flooding has not only disrupted daily life but has also highlighted the need for enhanced preparedness as climate patterns shift and extreme weather events become more frequent across North Africa.

Morocco's authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing rescue operations, the restoration of essential services, and the provision of support to those affected by the floods. The recent tragedy underscores the broader challenges faced by countries in the region as they adapt to increasingly variable climate conditions.